Most churches have powerful vision statements as to what God has called them to do. Here at Lighthouse Evangelism, we have the mandate to be the Light of Christ everywhere. It’s wonderful having such local and global ambitions but how does such a vision get initiated? There was an advertising campaign in the 1970s for AT&T, a USA telecommunications company that used the slogan “Reach out and Touch Someone” which effectively conveyed its message. The advertisement featured the power of a simple phone call and how lives could be changed with its added catchline of “…reach out and just say hi”. Simple words and a simple message but it begs the question as to whether we have lost the art and potential of simple human connections?

I can report a first-hand account to prove this point! During the period of our engagement, Joanne spent most of her time in India as a Missionary. I finally was able to make a phone call and connect with her in her remote Indian location after days of unsuccessful attempts. The cost of that 30-minute call in 1989 was USD 99.00. AT&T was certainly happy, but I can tell you that call was well worth the cost. We were married later that year. What is the message and purpose of this reflection?

1. Reach out and Touch Someone

The current pandemic has taken a toll on many families, both in Lighthouse Evangelism and our communities. The Pastoral Cell Leadership as well as the Church recognises this concern and seeks to address it by reaching out and touching our members and by extension the community. A phone call or physical meet-up goes a long way in making connections that strengthen and encourage the body of Christ. It helps to establish unity and trust that in turn serves as a strong foundation in building up the church. The example of what transpired at Pentecost serves as a key template for our day.

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place (Acts 2:1).

This pandemic provides us with the opportunity to connect with people, to see how they are doing and make well-needed connections. Who knows, your call or expression of a simple gesture of concern can make someone’s day. Perhaps, a verse or Bible character might come to mind as you think or pray concerning a person. Do not let the impersonal nature of our world deter you from being a blessing to someone. It can all come down to just Reaching Out and Touching a life.

2. Reach out and Touch Jesus

We all long for the loving touch of the Saviour upon our lives. Just one touch from His hand can change everything. At the same time, an opportunity is afforded to us to reach out and touch Jesus by faith. A very familiar Biblical account comes to mind.

And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour. (Matthew 9:20-22).

This woman had her infirmity for 12 years however she recognised a moment, a moment where she could come to the place of reaching out and touching Him. It did not end there seeing that she had to work her way through the crowd to make that connection. She discerned and acted upon that defining moment. Her touch captured the attention of the Lord. In verse 22, Jesus said that her faith resulted in her healing.

Like the woman with the issue of blood do we recognise the moment; do we as a Church and Cell Community see an opportunity to press through all hindrances to touch Jesus? This past year has been challenging to so many resulting in people becoming disillusioned, discouraged, depressed and in some cases giving up. Yes, the pandemic has placed restrictions upon the church, but it has also provided an opportunity for Lighthouse Evangelism to fulfil its vision to be the Light of Christ Everywhere. What better way to close out the year 2021 than to first “Reach out and Touch Jesus” as a church, and then “Touch Someone” by faith, in our church, community and the world. So, go ahead, Make Someone’s Day!